topgun2

There are some National Forest Service campgrounds that require the site be occupied on the first night of the reservation - if not then they cancel the rest of the reservation. Unfortunately even this is abused in that I had a camp host tell me that people will set up a cheap tent on the site (i.e. occupy the site with the tent) in order to get around this requirement. Shame! Bil

Yep - But, you can "bugger up" the nuts on those bolts so that they are very difficult to remove. Buggered bolts or not - if they really want it, they will find a way to get it. For instance - bring a flat bed and drag the Ollie onto it and drive away. 😰😞 Bill

Basically what Mike says above, but, there are a number of ways to handle the grey tank. I think that most people leave the grey tank closed in addition to leaving the black tank closed. This is because similar to the black tank, the grey tank can get hair, sand, dirt, food particles, etc. in it. Thus, just like the black tank where the "force" of the water is used to move "solids" along, this same force can be used in the grey to help clean out whatever is in both the grey tank and the hose after you have used it to dump the black tank. Another "hint" - when dumping - dump a small bit of the grey tank first (only a gallon or two is necessary). This will help "lubricate" the hose so that the black tank stuff will flow more smoothly down the hose. Once the black tank is empty, close that black tank valve and open the grey to dump the rest of it out and at the same time help to "flush" the hose "clean" of whatever the black tank may have left in there. Bill

MnM- The really big deal on the repair is getting the gel-coat the same color as the original. The guys in Service at Oliver will be able to look up exactly what color of white your Ollie has on it and give that information to your repair shop. Or, since this is such a small (relatively) chip, Service could possibly ship a small amount to you people so that they don't have to buy whatever the minimum quantity is and, of course, charge you for it. Good luck! Bill

It would help to know which Oliver you have and the year of it too. Bill

I believe that they said they are camped in the Oliver campground. Unfortunately - today is Saturday.

Strange - After reading the circumstances, my first thought wasn't a frozen pipe - but - a clogged pipe from something line debris in the line. However, usually these types of clogs only slow the flow - not stop it.

I've got this problem!😒

I can just imagine what Bosker and your pup would have to say about each others ears!

If you know Phil then you know that he really knows how to console.

Yep - that will poke a hole in your pocket in no time.😵

You are!

Or - The State Park has a very nice lodge. Come on up and stay for the weekend - Friday and Saturday would be best. We'd love to meet ya. Bill

Yes. The Andersen is both an anti-sway and weight distribution hitch. We don't talk about the anti-sway much in that Olivers simply do not sway. Bill

There are several YouTube videos relative to the balloon festival by RV'ers that have been there over the past couple of years. These include advice on the best places to camp, etc. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SN7IfcWkrHg&ab_channel=ChangingLanes This link is for one of them but there are several others too. Bill p.s. the "link" function was not working when I posted this but you can copy and paste the above link if it doesn't take you directly there.

Congrates on getting your Ollie back. With a bit of work and help from the insurance company, it will look like new in no time. If it were mine I'd strongly think about now being the time (with the insurance help) to do a ceramic coating. Besides the lock that snakeriveridaho mentions above, there are all sorts of wheel locks and big chains that can go through the wheels and/or axle to attach the Ollie to something even more solid. Unfortunately, if someone really wants to get it - they will. All you can really do is have good insurance and try to slow them down a bit. I'm sorry that you have had to go through this but I'm also happy that you have got your Ollie back! Bill

Steve - I'll add to the "welcomes"! Sorry to hear about your wife but I'm sure that she is still with you in spirit. There are a couple of Ollie owners here that have had exactly your same unfortunate experience. I'm sure that they can be of help to you. With the F-150 you will absolutely need a weight distribution hitch if you intend to stay within the law and want to keep your Ford factory warranty. Ford requires a WDH for towing anything that has a hitch weight of 500 pounds and up. The Andersen WDH is the only one that will work with the Oliver without reasonably major alterations to the Oliver. Add to your list of YouTube videos those that Andersen has placed on YouTube and you will be well prepared for your delivery. As you progress - don't hesitate to let us know your questions and/or things that simply don't make sense to you - we are happy to help! Bill

Absolutely right. Even for those times - while on the road - I "lock" the bulldog with something like THIS. Steve Morris is correct that these are fairly easy to defeat as is simply using wire/bolt cutters to cut that fairly thin "wire" that holds/operates the sliding collar, but, it does keep the "casual" kid from opening your bulldog while at a rest stop or having lunch in a place. Bill

Not on mine. On my original build I did order the deletion of that twin bed extension in order to make that side more like an actual couch. However, Good ol' Anita called me one day and convinced me to add the "wing" and then use the combination of the back cushions plus a couple of throw pillows in order to make the "couch" more comfortable while preserving the utility of the larger seating area for a bed if the need arises. As with most things - Anita was right! Bill

Most people (couples) get regular mattresses for these beds. I got a mattress for one side but still have the standard cushions for the other side plus the backrest cushions in order to make it more like a couch versus a bed. If you are mainly traveling alone and/or your partner is fairly light weight then this arrangement could be considered. Bill

Rivernerd posted the dimensions of his storage basket HERE. Bill

Interesting - on my 2016 I have separate switches for the curbside and street side for the "patio/flood" lights. However, I have only one switch for the "puddle/courtesy " lights. I have heard of a couple of owners moving this switch to an inside location. It shouldn't really be all that difficult. However, I'm not sure why Oliver has never done this. Bill

Made right here in western North Carolina! Nice looking box!

Shame that I can only give this one thumbs up!!!!

With all due respect to Meghan and her Uke - I prefer the video I posted. Thanks for getting on this - it could be a real hoot. Bill